Edith CHUKU
Aggrieved youths of Igwuruta, in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, took to the street on Thursday, to express their grievance over the gruesome murder of the Secretary of the Omuolu-Omunwei Community, Mr Nchelem Samuel Festus.
Festus was said to have been murdered on Tuesday by alleged commercial motorcycle riders, described as “aboki bike riders” operating in the area, as revealed in a communique.
Also, an OSPAC official Charles Adiele, was said to haven been attacked by the unknown gunmen during the incident.
The protesting youths also expressed fear over what they described as the incessant rape of women and girls and kidnap in the area.
They also expressed worry over the impact of open grazing, lamenting that cattles have destroyed their farm produce and farmers abandoned their farms for fear of losing their lives over herdsmen attack.
Further, they urged the government to implement measures to prevent cattle grazing on farmlands, while expressing need for herders to keep away from farms and surrounding bushes to avoid further tension.
The Igwuruta youths also reaffirmed their commitment to peace and the rule of law and urged security agencies, local government authorities, and other stakeholders to act swiftly to restore safety and confidence in the community.
According to them, “Igwuruta is historically known as a peaceful and welcoming community where residents and visitors conduct their activities without fear. However, recent incidents of violence and insecurity have heightened anxiety among residents, calling for urgent intervention by security agencies.
“We call for the immediate suspension of commercial motorcycle operations in Igwuruta, closure of scrap-dump sites, and the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the killing of Festus and other alleged crimes.”
